Causes

Risk factors. Rubbing the eyes (especially after picking the nose.) The nose is the most frequent home of Staph. Also, more common when using eye makeup.

When to Call for Sty

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

Eyelid is very red or very swollen

Your child looks or acts very sick

You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Call Doctor Within 24 Hours

Sty gets larger than ¼ inch (6 mm)

You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Call Doctor During Office Hours

2 or more styes are present now

Styes have occurred in the past 3 or more times

Sty has come to a head (pimple), but has not drained after 3 days

Sty lasts for more than 10 days

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

One sty

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

Eyelid is very red or very swollen

Your child looks or acts very sick

You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Call Doctor Within 24 Hours

Sty gets larger than ¼ inch (6 mm)

You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Call Doctor During Office Hours

2 or more styes are present now

Styes have occurred in the past 3 or more times

Sty has come to a head (pimple), but has not drained after 3 days

Sty lasts for more than 10 days

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

One sty

Care Advice for a Sty

What You Should Know About a Sty:

A sty is a minor infection of an eyelash.

A sty usually comes to a head and forms a pimple in 3 to 5 days.

Most often, it drains and heals in a few more days.

Most styes can be treated at home.

Here is some care advice that should help.

Apply Heat to Bring to a Head:

Put a warm, wet washcloth to the eye. Do this for 10 minutes 3 times a day. Reason: This helps the sty come to a head.

Continue the warm wet cloth even after the sty begins to drain. Reason: To help remove the discharge and heal the sty.

Caution: Do not rub the eye. Reason: Rubbing can cause more styes.

Open the Pimple:

Age limit: Your child is over 5 years old and cooperative.

When the center of the sty becomes yellow, you can open it. Do this by using tweezers. Pull out the eyelash that goes through the pimple. This will start drainage and healing.

Another option is to wait for drainage to start on its own. Most often, this occurs in another 1-2 days.

Caution: Do not squeeze the red lump. Reason: This can cause an eyelid infection.

Antibiotic Eye Medicine:

Most single styes respond to the treatment with heat. They don't need prescription antibiotic eyedrops.

If there is more than one sty, your child may need antibiotic eyedrops. Also, antibiotics may be needed if styes keep coming back. This usually happens to children who rub their eyes often.

Contact Lenses:

Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses until the sty heals.

Reason: To prevent damage to the cornea.

Disinfect the contacts before wearing them again.

Discard them if they are disposable.

What to Expect:

A sty usually comes to a head and forms a pimple in 3 to 5 days.

Most often, it drains and heals in a few more days.

Return To School:

Children with a sty usually do not need to miss any school.

Call Your Doctor If:

Eyelid gets red or swollen

Sty comes to a head, but does not drain by 3 days

More styes occur

Sty is not gone by 10 days

You think your child needs to be seen

Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.